New Innovation Pathways. A data collaborative model for improved entrepreneurship decision making in East Africa.
In this insight report, we shed light on the crucial need and value of a data collaborative model within the East African entrepreneurial ecosystems. With a specific focus on Kenya, Rwanda and Ethiopia, we present a compelling case for a stronger evidence base, discuss the timely nature of this endeavour, and underscore the advantages associated with enhanced data coordination and improved ecosystem cohesion.
In this insight report, we shed light on the crucial need and value of a data collaborative model within the East African entrepreneurial ecosystems. With a specific focus on Kenya, Rwanda and Ethiopia, we present a compelling case for a stronger evidence base, discuss the timely nature of this endeavour, and underscore the advantages associated with enhanced data coordination and improved ecosystem cohesion.
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PG. 8<br />
<strong>New</strong> <strong>in</strong>novation<br />
pathways<br />
Insight report<br />
No. 1<br />
Catch<strong>in</strong>g the wave<br />
In Kenya, the Kenyan National <strong>Innovation</strong> Agency is work<strong>in</strong>g on a strategic ‘Masterplan’ which<br />
is <strong>in</strong>tended to be “aspirational, educational and <strong>in</strong><strong>for</strong>mative, offer<strong>in</strong>g a shared vision to align<br />
actors across the wider ecosystem”. It will be launched <strong>in</strong> December 2023.<br />
In Ethiopia, the Entrepreneurship Development Institute is work<strong>in</strong>g on a national ecosystem<br />
strategy.<br />
In Rwanda, projects have been <strong>in</strong>stigated by the World Bank, Mastercard Foundation, and by<br />
the Rwanda Government which cover <strong>data</strong> driven support <strong>for</strong> ESOs and the broader <strong>in</strong>novation<br />
ecosystem.<br />
The way <strong>for</strong>ward:<br />
Active systems collaboration<br />
Collaboration has been identified as the “secret sauce” <strong>for</strong> startups and <strong>in</strong>dustries,<br />
surpass<strong>in</strong>g acquisitions and build<strong>in</strong>g from scratch. A <strong>collaborative</strong> approach, facilitated by<br />
<strong>data</strong> <strong>collaborative</strong>s, can create a community of practice compris<strong>in</strong>g parties and <strong>in</strong>novation<br />
ecosystem <strong>data</strong> experts with shared <strong>data</strong> <strong>in</strong>terests.<br />
By actively participat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the systems design process, stakeholders can collectively create<br />
representative and <strong>in</strong>clusive collaboration <strong>model</strong>s. This approach allows <strong>for</strong> the shar<strong>in</strong>g of<br />
ideas, experiences, and best practices, driv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>novation and establish<strong>in</strong>g a robust evidence<br />
base.<br />
Furthermore, comb<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g diverse <strong>data</strong>sets and conduct<strong>in</strong>g comprehensive analyses enables a<br />
deeper understand<strong>in</strong>g of the relationships between micro and macro variables. By harness<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>data</strong> <strong>collaborative</strong>s, stakeholders can uncover valuable trend <strong>in</strong>sights and establish clearer<br />
evidence bases, enhanc<strong>in</strong>g the effectiveness of <strong>decision</strong>-<strong>mak<strong>in</strong>g</strong> and policy <strong>in</strong>terventions.<br />
Implement<strong>in</strong>g a <strong>data</strong> <strong>collaborative</strong> <strong>model</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>East</strong> <strong>Africa</strong>’s <strong>entrepreneurship</strong> ecosystem holds<br />
immense potential. By leverag<strong>in</strong>g the power of <strong>data</strong> and foster<strong>in</strong>g collaboration among<br />
stakeholders, it is possible to overcome challenges, drive <strong>in</strong>novation, and build a stronger<br />
and more <strong>in</strong>clusive ecosystem. Recognis<strong>in</strong>g the value of <strong>data</strong> coord<strong>in</strong>ation and establish<strong>in</strong>g<br />
a foundation <strong>for</strong> collective action will empower <strong>East</strong> <strong>Africa</strong> to thrive <strong>in</strong> the dynamic world of<br />
<strong>entrepreneurship</strong>.<br />
For further <strong>in</strong><strong>for</strong>mation, please contact us at contact@systemic<strong>in</strong>novation.work<br />
To learn more about the RISA Fund visit https://www.risa-fund.org
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